Wednesday, November 16, 2011

MIAMI, FL – November 16, 2011 – As 2012 approaches there is a wave of speculation concerning catastrophic events associated with ancient Mayan prophesies. But what did the ancient Mayans really foresee at the end of their Long Count Calendar, ending on December 21st, 2012? A captivating new original series by Discovery en Español, “Apocalipsis Maya,” premiering on Sunday, December 4 at 9 p.m. E/P, takes viewers deep into the heart of this extraordinary phenomenon to explore different beliefs associated with the end of times.

The three-part mini-series, directed by Emmy-nominated director Graham Townsley and narrated by Mexican actress Diana Bracho, was filmed in Guatemala, Mexico and the United States. With the use of high quality visuals, this original production takes viewers into the very recesses of Mayan culture, featuring interviews with contemporary Mayan priests and pre-eminent archeologists that aim to uncover what the Mayas truly believed. Magnificent Mayan sites like Palenque, Chichen Itza and Tikal, are at the epicenter of this production that explores the Mayan calendar, the most extensive and complex ever conceived by mankind and the source behind much of the fear, hysteria and speculation.

“Apocalipsis Maya” also delves into the theories and opinions of many others that believe the world is careening towards disaster and that the day of reckoning is fast approaching. The series takes viewers into small communities in the U.S., where bunker-engineers and ark builders are preparing and their businesses are booming on fears of a possible 2012 catastrophe. These include one enterprising individual who is constructing 2012 condominium bunkers for the end of times in old missile silos in Kansas.

"Apocalipsis Maya" also features the opinions of New-Agers who believe 2012 is not something to be feared, but desired. To them, the year 2012 is nothing more than the resetting of a clock that will lead not to a catastrophe, but to a welcomed shift in human consciousness.

The series relives the magnificence of the Mayan empire via recreations with the production value of a feature film. These were shot on location in Mexico by Oscar-nominated cinematographer, Lorenzo Hagerman, along with a large cast of actors, extras, and a make-up and props department.

“Apocalipsis Maya” is an original production by Discovery en Español under the direction of Michela Giorelli and Rafael Rodríguez, with the assistance of Shinning Red Productions, under Director and Producer Graham Townsley.

Discovery en Español is the Spanish-language voice of Discovery. It is the premier network dedicated to offering the finest in quality programming in the areas of science and technology, world culture and history, nature and wildlife as well as real-life drama. The network creates an indelibly enriching experience by collecting the best of what Discovery’s networks have to offer in combination with its own original Spanish-language content. Created by the world’s most trusted media brand, Discovery en Español translates not just the words, but the feeling of Discovery, educating and engaging audiences nationwide with fascinating glimpses into the incredible world they inhabit. For more information, visit discoveryenespanol.com.